When it comes to choosing a reliable source of electricity, there are many factors that go into the decision of purchasing a natural gas generator versus a diesel generator.
In 2022, the production of natural gas was nearly 4.09 trillion cubic meters worldwide. That’s an increase of about 23% since 2012.
Because of that increased supply, many industries are questioning whether diesel or natural gas generators are the best option.
Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each generator fuel type. Read on to learn some of the most important differences between purchasing diesel and natural gas generators, so that you can be fully informed before your next generator purchase.
Pros & Cons Of Diesel Generators
A diesel generator consists of a combination of a diesel engine and an alternator which produces electricity. These generators are popular and come in different sizes depending on how they will be used.
Pros
One of the greatest advantages of a diesel generator is that it can be used virtually anywhere. As long as you provide the generator with diesel fuel, it will run 24/7 producing electricity for your needs.
Common locations for diesel generator use are remote construction sites and ships.
A diesel generator can also be used as a backup power source in the event of a blackout. Simply fire the engine up and it will produce electricity until the power is restored.
Since diesel generators don’t rely on the power grid to produce energy, they require less maintenance and usually have longer lifespans. On top of that, diesel fuel is less flammable than natural gas, so there is a smaller chance of an explosion or fire in case something goes wrong.
Cons
On the other hand, diesel generators can be more expensive than natural gas generators. That being said, the maintenance costs are often lower, so this will offset some of the initial cost of buying a generator that runs on diesel fuel.
Some diesel generators are also considered to be quite noisy. If you fire one up outside or on a construction site, this might not pose much of a problem, but if you use one in your basement, garage or backyard, the noise could bother your family members and/or neighbors.
Another disadvantage of a diesel generator consists of its high pollution factor. This type of fuel does more harm to the environment in comparison with natural gas or other types of fuel.
To summarize, here are the pros and cons of diesel generators, compared to natural gas:
Advantages:
- They can be used anywhere
- Will run 24/7
- Can be used as a backup power source
- Require less maintenance
- Have longer lifespans
- Less flammable
Disadvantages:
- Higher unit cost
- Noisy
- High pollution
Pros & Cons Of Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas generators are also pretty common and usually in competition with gas generators. These devices use natural gasses such as propane or methane to produce electricity and are highly reliable in many situations.
If this is your preferred generator type, check out how you can avoid common mistakes when buying natural gas generators.
Pros
Natural gas generators are considered to be less dangerous to the environment in comparison with other types of fuels. Although this is a non-renewable type of energy, it burns cleaner and helps reduce your carbon footprint.
These generators can be easily connected to the power grid to draw natural gas and power up machinery and tools in almost any location. Since natural gas travels through underground pipes, you don’t have to devote space for fuel storage.
A natural gas generator can save you money in the long run since this type of fuel is less expensive in comparison with other types of fuel. There are numerous places in the world with an abundant amount of natural gas available for use, making natural gas a more affordable alternative to diesel.
Cons
Although natural gas generators are considered by some to be the ideal choice, they also have their own drawbacks. For example, natural gases emit carbon dioxide which is a toxic gas harmful to your health.
Additionally, your generator will always be connected to the pipeline and rely on it for a constant supply of natural gas. If there are storms or serious accidents, this can disrupt the delivery of natural gas to your generator and cause downtime for your project.
Another disadvantage of natural gas generators is that they are slightly more dangerous than other types of energy generators. Natural gas is highly flammable, so if leaks aren’t detected and eliminated quickly, it could cause an explosion or fire.
To summarize, here are the pros and cons of natural gas generators, compared to diesel:
Advantages:
- Less dangerous to the environment
- Easily connected to power grid to draw natural gas
- Natural gas fuel is less expensive
Disadvantages:
- Emits carbon dioxide, which has harmful health effects
- Highly flammable fuel source
- Serious storms or accidents can disrupt delivery of natural gas
Natural Gas Vs Diesel Generators – How To Choose The Right One?
To find the right answer to this question, you need to consider a few things:
- Do you need to produce energy in a very remote location where natural gas might not be available?
- Do you need to move the generator often?
- Diesel generators can be less portable than natural gas generators and more expensive to move if necessary
- Do you currently have easy access to a source of natural gas?
- If not, a diesel one might be more suitable for you
- Do you have a large budget to spend upfront?
- If not, a natural gas generator might be the solution for you since it’s more affordable than a diesel one
- Does your business put a lot of emphasis on protecting the environment?
- If the answer is yes, you might be better off with natural gas generators.
- Are you ready to prevent fire hazards and similar problems by constantly monitoring your generators to ensure that risks are minimized?
These are only a few of the questions you should consider to ensure you’re making the right decision about your generator fuel type.
Find the Right Generator for Your Needs!
Depco has the expertise to help companies power their world with confidence. If you need help purchasing the right product, don’t hesitate to reach out to one our seasoned experts.
For more helpful insights about the world of used generators, visit our blog and read more about how to save money when buying a used diesel generator!
